After a period of mediocrity for The Actuary Horse Racing Tips it was nice to return a profit yesterday, albeit a small one.
More pleasing was that it came from a most unlikely source. I am sure there were a few cringes from subscribers when 18 race maiden Illustrious Lad was put up as a selection. To accompany the win we were also blessed with it drifting in the market and returning at an SP of 3-1.
Illustrious Lad at Pat Cosgrave break the 18 race maiden tag
The cheek-pieced Illustrious Lad broke well and traveled comfortably behind the pace setting Abedejo taking up the running as they turned for home. The closer's flattered to deceive with the exception of another 11 race maiden Green Mountain. As the pair drove for the line Illustrious Lad always looked like he had enough in his locker and maintained a healthy half length margin to the line.
Subscribers were not so lucky with our next selection Bramshill Lass, another big drifter, who raced in the back three for a majority of the journey and had to pick its way through the field and switch wide to finish a creditable third at 11-1. We also came up short changed after a curious ride by Mikeal Barzalona on Naalatt. Having surrender the opportunity to force some pace off the first bend Naalatt was ridden in snatches and was doing its best work when all hope had vanished.
The horse I was most looking forward to seeing on the card and subscribers best bet of the evening Whimsical was next up. Confident's was buoyed further by the knowledge that Richard Hughes had hot-footed from Sandown for several rides at Kempton Park and had already ridden 5 winners on the day.
Richard Hughes and Whimsical hold on as the pack close
Whimsical traveled comfortably stalking the pace with the occasional shake of the reins from Richard Hughes to keep him up to the task which prompted an immediate response. Once Whimsical hit the front as they straighten up I would have predicted a facile victory but it was not to be so easy as four horses started to close Hughes down to a margin of a head at the line but the win and the 15-8 taken earlier in the day guaranteed a profit.
Initial thoughts on the final selection Tagula Nights were that after S. Kelly made little attempt to break on terms, tonight was never going to be the night so it was pleasing to see Tagula Nights getting on terms after the cut away to give a fleeting hope of success. Unfortunately the effort was short lived and Tagula Nights faded tamely.
More Kempton Park tonight :)